CONNECTING POINT: A Reason to Sing

One sight that I get a kick out of is seeing a person driving down the road singing out loud to music. Are you a person who does this? From time to time, you might see me doing the same thing. Entertaining music is intertwined with our culture and many genres suit us. Music conveys attitudes, ideas, emotions and so much more. In the context of Christianity, music is also entertaining but another important element exists; worship, a person’s expression of appreciation towards God.

Doctor Luke in chapter one of his account gives us details about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth’s home, both women were several months into their

pregnancies. Elizabeth describes baby John’s reaction of leaping in her womb as Mary arrives - something bigger is taking place. Prophecy is being fulfilled, miraculous births have occurred, and John is already on task in preparing the way for the Messiah. Take note of Mary’s response.

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.’ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home,” (Luke 1:46-56).

Throughout Church history, there has always been a delicate balance of maintaining solid Biblical doctrine; after all, heresy and misinterpretation create division. Some teachings are outright destructive or deliberate, while others are just poor judgment that can be addressed and corrected. The following are two principles from the text worth our attention.

One: even the mother of Jesus recognized her need for a Savior. An analysis of Mary the mother of Jesus as written in the four synoptic Gospels through her own words or actions simply states her humble position. Somehow over the centuries, Mary has been given unique status by specific faith groups in what’s understood as “immaculate conception”, meaning Mary at her conception was free from original sin or personal sin. Such a concept is problematic considering Paul’s teaching in Romans 3:23, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” To single Mary out as sinless from her birth is quite a stretch theologically.

Two: Mary’s song is one of trust and gratitude towards God’s goodness. Mary, although her world was turned upside down, continued to trust in God in a very difficult situation. In our humanity, we often turn towards complaint and negativity when life matters are difficult. The cultural pressure on Joseph and Mary had to be overwhelming at times with the pregnancy and birth of Jesus. Yet, Mary started off on the right foot by singing out praises. For centuries the promises of a Messiah were the mainstay of Jewish teaching, all of which was taking place through Mary and Joseph.

Have you found a reason to sing

Remember Jesus gives us purpose and hope.